Where were you born (and raised, if different)?
I was born and raised in Madison County, VA.
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area?
I moved to the Charlottesville area in 1983 to begin work after graduating from college.
What neighborhood do you live in now?
I am currently living in northern Albemarle County.
Family (spouse, kids, etc.)?
Family: ex-husband and friend, Lander Chavers Jr. and one daughter. I have no pets.
What is your alma mater and when did you graduate?
I graduated from Ferrum College in 1983 with a BS in Child Psychology. Then I received a Masters in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from The University of Virginia in 1992. I also received a license in K-12 Administration and Supervision from UVa in 2009.
What is your favorite part of classroom teaching?
My favorite part of classroom teaching is providing lessons which are engaging and fun for the students. These lessons also promote life-long learning.
What is your favorite example of a rewarding experience you’ve had in the field of education?
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in education is being thanked by a former “at-risk” student whom I never gave up on (I believe that failure is not an option). The student graduated from high school, attended college, and became…a teacher!
Why did you choose to teach?
I chose to teach because it’s what I’ve been passionate about since childhood. I remember placing my Barbie dolls and stuffed animals on my bed at the age of seven while I pretended to be the teacher. My students listened as I read books, solved math problems and sang songs. There are also several generations of educators in my family.
If you had to pick one, what do you think is the single most important issue facing the public schools today?
If I had to choose one, I think the single most important issue facing the public schools today is bullying.
What is a little-known fact about you?
A little known fact about me? I speak Russian.
What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc.?
One of my hobbies is music, all kinds, but especially jazz! I don’t play, I just listen. I am a Charlottesville Jazz Society Board member. Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Jazz Orchestra will perform at the Paramount Theater on Father’s Day, June 16th at 8 PM! Also, I enjoy traveling, attending movies and plays, and bowling.
